Method of and apparatus for die rolling



Nov. 28, 1944. A. RUDEN 63,5

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 shets -sneet 1 INVENTOR, APTHL/R' O. FPLJDEN ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 28, 1944. c, D EN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.2

INVENTOR. ARTHUR C. RUIJEN A 'TORNEYSV Nov. 28, 1944. A. c. RuDE N 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 III lZI

ea "a INVENTOR. ARTHUR C. RUDE/v ATTORNEYS.

NOV. 28, 1944. Q RUBEN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. 4

v INVENTOR. ARTHUR C. RUDE/v A'ITQRNEYS.

Nov. 28,1944. A. c. RUDEN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Fil ed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig.5

INVENTOR. ARTHUR C. Pups/v ATTQRNEYS.

Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 g E Q v INVENTOR. A RTHUR C. FvuoE/v BY ,M wzww ATTORNEYS7 Nov. 28, 1944. A. c. RUDEIVN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING v Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. ARTHUR C. RUDE/v ATTORNEY.

Nov. 28, 1944. A. c. RUDEN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Shet 8 Fig. 12

Fi .15 V

Fig l INVENTOR.

ARTHUR C. RUDE/v ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 28, 1944.

Fig.1

A. c. RUDEN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING F 'iled July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Fig. 18

INVENTOR. ARTHUR C. RUBEN A. c. RUDEN METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Nov. 28, 1944.

'INVENTOR.

BY ARTHuR C. RUBEN ATr BNEYS.

NOV. 28, 1944. CJRUDEN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 11,

" F Fig. 20 mg r 5 24- M Q [Pi/ 2B F 3' 31723 .34"

20 -+2? P 12 25 F9926 Fig.2?

Fig. 50

INVENTOR. ARTHUR O. RUDE/v ATTORNEYS.

NOV. 28, 1944. r Q RUDEN 2,363,553

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Filed July 11, 1940 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 I 3 .52 F'wg.51

C as Fig.54 57 Twill a, l Fig-56 Fig-57 Fig-58 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR C. Runs/v l ATTORNEYS. 7

feeding mechanism. v

Patented Nov. 28, 1944 s PATENT OFFICE METHOD OFAND APPARATUS FOR DIE ROLLING Arthur C. Ruden, Euclid, Ohio, assignor to The Mid-WestForge Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio 14 Claims.

This invention relates, as indicated, to a method of and apparatus for die rolling, but has reference more particularly to the die rolling of blanks by means of successive sets of die rolls.

In my prior Patent No. 2,187,753, there is dis closed apparatus for die rollingblanks, comprising spaced sets of rolls arranged so that the blank must pass completely out of one set of rolls before entering the next set of rolls, and.

meansfor positively feeding the bla into each set of rolls in exact registration with the die portions of said set of rolls. t

The present invention isdirected to apparatus of the foregoing character, in which is incorporated certain improvements and refinements, which make for increased speed in operation" of the apparatus, and improved accuracy in feeding. of the blank into the varioussets ofrolls and among which may be enumerated the following:

1. Means are provided for positively feeding the blank into each set of rolls and insuring that the front end of the blank will enter the rolls in a predetermined registering relation with the die portions of such rolls.

2. Means are provided for temporarily delaying the movement. of the blank in the event that the front end of the blank,as it is about to enter therolls, is not in a predetermined registering relation with the, die portionsof such rolls, and for preventing furthenmovement of the blank until such relationship is established. i

3; Fluid-actuated means. are provided for positively feeding the blank into each set of rolls,

and for controlling the movements of the blank.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and relatedends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described,-and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following dcscription and the annexed drawings setting forth indetail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative however, of but a view of the various ways in which the principle of the invention maybe employed.

In said annexed drawings 1 Fig. 1 is a plan view of a rolling mill embodying the novel features of the invention;

Fig. .2 is a rear elevation of the mill, as viewed in the direction indicatedby the arrow R inFig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation ofthe mill, as viewed in the direction indicated Fi v Fig. 4' is a view, on an enlarged scale, of a porby the arrow F in .tion of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the rolling mill,

asviewed from the right of Figs. 1 and 2, and fromtheleftofFig.3; l

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectionalview, taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5; V.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6; i

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of one of the die rolls, with a portion broken away to show the-blank stop;

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of the dieroll shown inFig.9; X

valve for theblank feeding mechanism, taken, on

the line 12-12 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectionalview'of the master valve, taken on the line l3 l3 of 'Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the feed control for the master valve; Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view feeding plunger;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional View of a check valve used in connection with one of the solenoid-operated valves; t t Fig. 1'? is a view, partly in section, of one of the solenoid actuated valves;

Fi 18 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line lB -I8 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a view, partly in section, of the other solenoid-actuated valve; I

. Fig. 20is aside elevation of a blank used for forming a pair of connected steering knuckles;

Fig. 21' is an end view of the blank shown in t Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a view showing the blank of Fig. 20, after being rolled in the first set of rolls;

Figs. 23 and 24 are cross-sectional views, taken on .the lines 23-43 and 24 -24, respective1y,of

Fig. 22;

Fig. 25 is a view showing the preliminary shaped blank of Fig. 22, after being rolled in the second set of rollsj Figs. 26 and 27 are cross-sectional views, taken on the lines 26-2E and Zl-ZLrespectively, of Fig. 25; r t

Fig. 28 is a view showing thearticle of Fig. 25, after being rolled in the third set of rolls;

Figs. 29 and 3 0 are cross-sectionalviews taken on the lines 29-49 and fin-30, respectivelvof Fig. 23;,

of a valve which 1 is used in one of the oil connections for the blank l ranged horizontal and vertical mill stands, re-.

end a pinion: I 1.

Figs. 3'7 and 38 are cross-sectional views taken on the lines 3I-3I and 38-38 respectively, of

Fig. 36, and

Fig. 39 is aview similar to-Fig. 7 but showing a modified form of the blank pushing mechanism. Referring more particularly to the drawings, the mill consists, as shown, of alternately arspectively and generally designated by the ref 'erence characters H and' V. .Thespaces between these stands gradually increase in accordance with the progressivelengthening of the blank which is being forged,'"'the number of stands-required aridtheexact spacing therebetwe'enrbein determined by the nature of the article which #is'to be produced. An essential requirement in this connection is thatthe sets of rolls: be spaced a greaterdistance apart than the'length of the blank;

The vertical stands comprise transversely spaced housings I andvland the horizontal stands comprising superimposed housings 3 and 4,the

housings I and"! being maintained. in spaced rel-atio n by meansofspac'ers As shown most clearly in Fig. 5, each of the vertical stands-further includes vertically-spaced shaft'st, eachhaving secured" to one end a die roll 1, the rolls being maintained in position by means of nuts 8,. and the shafts being journ'alled in chocks Qand Ill. These chocks are movable vertically along suitable guides of the housing I and 2.

*Eachof'the shafts fi has secured. to its opposite vertically adjusted by means of'adjustingscrews P i2 and I 3, respectively in threaded engagement with the bridge portionsof housings I and 2.

The screws l2 and I3 have secured to their upper ends adjusting-wheels M and adjusting wheel levers l5, whereby the uppershaftt may :be verti- *c'ally" adjusted. Similar 1 vertical; adjustment for the lower shaft 6 is provided, in the form of adjIIStiIIg-SCI'eWsYWhiQh are rotatable by means of spur gears I6 and I1 driven by ashaft t8. Axial adjustment of the rolls 6 is effected byvmeans of roll adjusting nuts: I-9

Each of the'horizontal stands further includes transversely spaced shafts 20, each havin secured to its upper end a die roll 2|.

The construction :of't-hese. stands, and the manner in *which the-shafts are adjusted are similar to those-described in applicants aforesaid patent,

and further description thereof is believed unnecessary.

"The: mill stands aremounted on rails 22 and may be adjusted along these rails to varythe accordingly spacing between -the sets of die rolls. The rails -22 are,-in turn, mounted onrail supports 23,

and these, in turn, are supported on the main 'frame or;-base 24'1of the roll forging machine.

The base supports substantially all of theopcrating mechanism to be. hereinafter described.

Thedierolls'l and 21 may have any suitable designs, patterns, grooves, protuberances'or the- The' upper chocks-Qand m are like formed in their peripheries, depending upon the nature ofthe work which is being rolled, the action of the first set of die rolls being such'as to cause the blank which is being rolled therebetween toapproach somewhat the form ultimately desired. Each succeeding set of die rolls will then cause the blank to approach more closely the ultimate shape desired y and attained by the last set.

Moreover, alternate sets of rolls are preferably arranged in a plan at right angles to the plane of the other setsof rolls, although the right angle arrangement is not an absolute requisite of the invention, each set of rolls being, if desired, ar-

ranged in a plane angularlyrelated to the plane oftheprecedingset of rolls, such angular relation being other than a right angle. This arrangement of the sets of die rolls enables the following advantages to be secured in the die rollingof articles from blanks: (1) The metal of the blankis displaced, in two planes, enabling articlestto be. manufactured.- having protuberances extending from the articleintwoplanes. Thisis especially desirable for. the making of articles such as steering knuckles, steering,knuckle support arms, connecting. rods, steering knuckle arms and .pitr'nan arms. (2) Heavier draws can be taken,

since an extremely. heavy draw taken. in. one, set of rolls, and whichmight resultin undue; strain on the blanks, can be rectified by the draw'ina differentdirection on the same portion of .the blank in the succeeding .setof rolls. (3) The .for-mationof flash. is prec'ludedjthat. i tosay, if

the draw in one set ofirollsis so. heavy as to result inanincipient fiash at .thedrawn portion of the blank, thenext set of. rolls, operating as it does on such. incipient flash, destroys it. (4), Theuse ,ofexpensive blank indexing or rotating equiptnent between. sets of -rolls isrendered unnecessary.

- .By wayof example, aldie roll is shown in Figs.

.9 and 10, suchjdie rolL having. aLV-shaped groove in its peripheryfor the reception of a blank of square cross-section, a indicated by the dotted lines. in Fig. 8, such groove having a protuberance =P extending from thewalls of the groove and for a. portion of thelengthiof the groove, such protuberance being designed to form a corresponding recess in the blank.

i The rolls of all the mill stands are driven atQa uniform speed by means of driving mechanism comprising a motor driven main drive shaft 25, journalled in bearing brackets 26, and extending substantiallythe entire length of the'mill, mitre gears '21, mill shafts 28 and bevel gears 29,;the

' .latter meshing with the pinions on the shafts6 and 20. p

Since the present mill is so designed that the blank. must be completely ,out'of one set of rolls before being acted upon by the next set of rolls, it. is imperative that means be provided for positively and automaticallytransferring the blank from each set of rolls to the next in such manner that theblank will enter thenext set of rolls in exact registration with the impressions or protuberances in said next set-of rolls,that is to say, in such a mannerthat the entering end of the blank has a fixed: registering relation to-a predetermined point in the peripheral impression or on the peripheral protuberance of the rolls about to be entered.

Such means, together with certain control mechanism associated therewith, constitut important features of the invention, and will now bedescribed in detail, reference being had more particularly to Figs. 3 to 19 inclusive, of the drawings.

Disposed between each set of die rolls is a stationary V-shaped trough orguide 30, which, as shown in Fig. 6, isso disposed that a blank B disposed therein has its axis in alignment with the pass formed by each set of rolls.

When the blank 13, in passing through the rolls 2| reaches the dotted line position shownin Fig. 6, that is to say a position in which its rear end is just beyond a line connecting the centers of the rolls 2|, it is engaged at the rear by a pusher finger 3|. Finger 3| is pivotally connected, as at 32 to a pusher head 33, which is secured, as

by a nut 34 to one endof a piston rod or plunger 35, having a piston 38 which operates in a cylinder31. f l

The cylinder31 ,isstationarily mounted on a suitable base or, support, and has secured to its ends heads 38 and 39, having passageways there through communicating with the cylinder and with conduits 48 and 4| respectively.

The finger 3! has a limited degree of pivotal movement in the direction of movement of the blank B, but its reverse movement is limited to a position substantially at right angles. to the axis of the rod 35, such latter position being determined by, a stop 42 on the head 33. After the finger 3| has completed its forward movement, V

it is returned to its initial position, but in its rearward movement must clear the oncoming blank. It is for thepurpose of thus clearing the oncoming blank that the finger 3| must be free to ,pivot forwardly. Upon return of the finger to its rearmost position, it falls bygravity to the vertical position. The pusher fingers which in a horizontal plane, and gravity cannot therefore be relied upon to return such fingers to a position at right angles to the piston rod. It is necessary in such case to provide means for positively returning the fingers to such position. Such means is shown in Fig. 7, and comprises a compressioncoil spring 43 disposed within a socket 44 in the end of the rod and which bears against a rack 45, the teeth of which are in mesh with a gear sector 46 formed integrally with the finger 3|. l Referringto Figs. 9 and 10, it will be seen'that the die roll has secured to one of its radial faces adisk 41, which is substantially coextensive in M area with said'face, and which is adjustable to a limited extent circumferentially with respect to the die roll, so as to adjust the position of a cam 48, mounted on the disk adjacent its periphery, relatively to the protuberance P on the roll. This adjustment is effected by means of a screw 49, which-is carried by a bracket 50 on the disk 41 and which bears against a pin 5| extending from.

nut 55, a stop 58, which is adapted to be engaged by the forward end of the blank, so as to insure that the blank will be acted upon by the protuberance P of the die rollat a proper and pre-- determined point in the length of the blank. In

' other words, by causing the blank to engage the die roll at a predetermined point in its periphery,

. push the, blanks through the horizontal sets of rolls are disposed or die portion} of the die rolls (Fig. 9). As the blank becomes elongated as a result of the rolling operations, this angle X becomes greater with each successive set of rolls.

It is desirable that the blank be pushed into each set of rolls by the pusher finger at a linear speed which is slightly greater than the peripheral speed of the rolls about to be enteredby the blank, so as to insure engagement of the front end ofthe blank with the stop 56 before the blank passes through the rolls. This movement, as previously stated, is efiected by means of the piston rod 35, which is hydraulically actuatedin a manner to be now described, reference being had more particularly to Fig. 11.

The conduit 4! communicates, as stated, with the rear of the cylinder 31, and is connected to a port 51 in a master valve 58 (Figs. 12 and 13). The conduit 48 communicates, as stated, with the front of the cylinder 31, and is connectedto a port 59 in a valve 60 (Fig. 15). The valve 68 has a port 6|, to which is connected a conduit .62, which. in turn, is connectedto a port 63 in thevalve 58.

The valve 58 has an axial bore having passageways 61 and 88 respectively therein, which communicate with said bore and serve a purpose to be presently described. Alsocommunicating with the bore 64 by means of passageways 59 and 18 respectively are the ports 63 and 51. The valve 58 also has an oil inlet II which communicates with the bore 64 by means of a passageway 12, and an oil drain outlet 13,

which communicates with the bore 64 by means Mounted in the bore 64 for slidable movement thereinis a valve memof passageways 1.4 and 15.

ber having three enlarged cylindrical portions 15, T! and .18 which closely engaged the wall of the bore. The function and operation of the valve 58 will appear hereinafter.

The port 59 in the valve 88 communicates with the port 6| by means of passageways 19, 88 and 8|. The passageway 80 is adapted to be closed by means of a valve member 82, which is normally urged into closing position by means of a coil spring 83 interposed between said valve member'and a cap 84, which is threadedly secured to the valve 68. Communication between the passageways 19 and 81 is also had through a passageway 85, which is adapted to be closed by means of a valve member 85,]Which is ,normally urged to closing position by means of a spring 81 interposed between such member and a plug 88 secured to the valve 60. Oil from an oil reservoir 89 is pumped int the port ll of the valve 58 by means of a continuous discharge pump 90, through a conduit 9|, the oil pressure being controlled by means of ;a pressure regulator 92. Oil is returned to the reservoir from the valve 58 through a conduit 93, which is connected to the port 13 of the va1ve. The flow of oil through the valve 58 is controlled by means of a solenoid valve 94, the de-- tailed construction of which is shown in Fig. 19. Such solenoid valve comprises a solenoid coil 95 and a plunger 95, which is normally maintained 64 therein, closed at its ends by means of end caps 65 and 66 andbetween'p'orts I03 and I06.

plungeroil .willflow from, conduit 9l through; a conduit 9.8, through' port 99' and I of the, valve through aiconduit IN and into passageway lfl of the valve 58, thereby causing the valve memberw16-11-18 tomoveto the positionshown in Fig. 12 and forcingthe oil in the bore 64 between the right end of, such valve member and the cap 66to= pass through a conduit I02 throughaport Ill3yinithesolenoid valve,lthrough openings I04 and I05 in the plunger 96, out-through a port I06; in thelsolenoid valve, through a conduitv I01,

drain conduit 93, and into the reservoir 89.

When the solenoid coil 95 is energized, it moves the armature I08 to the left (Fig. 19), thereby movingthe plunger 96 to a position in which it closes; communication between, ports 99- and I00 When this 00- -'011I'S,-0i1 will pass from conduit 98 into port 99, thence. into an opening I09 in the plunger, through the plunger, out through opening I04, port I03, conduit I02 and into passageway68, thereby causing the valve member 7 16-11-48 to move to-the left end of the bore 64. This forces the oilin; the-bore 64 between the left end of such valve memberand'the cap 65to pass through and-conduit'l'0l into port I00, out'of port I06; through conduit I01, into drain conduit and into the reservoir 89.

The solenoid valvewis controlledbya limit switch I I0, which is open except at such times,

when the cam 48 on the roll I (or-2|) engages a roller III which actuates the limit switch.

When the limit switch is thus closed bywthe cam :48,zthe solenoid coil is energized with the result, as already described,that oil will pass from the reservoir 89 into the bore-64 and force the valve member 16-11-18 to the extreme left endof the here. This permits oi1-to flow from conduit-9| into port H of the valve 58,'thence'through pass'ageway 12, bore 64, passageway 10, port, 51,

conduit4l, head 39, and right end of the cylinder 31. This causes the piston'35 to move to the left, as viewedin Fig. 6, and-pushing the blank 13 .to move toward the rolls 1.

During thecourse of this movement, the upper die roll I hasrotated to such a position that the cam leaves the roller III, sothat the switch H0 is opened. "Before this occurs, however, and in order to maintain the solenoid 94 energized, a second normally open limit switch H2 is actuated to closed. position by means of a cam II3, which is carried by. the head 33. "a track II4, which, during the forward movement of the head 33, engages a roller II5 which actu- :ates the limit switch, and in this way maintains This cam has thesolenoid 94 in energized condition.

The movement of the die rolls and the blank -B should be so synchronized as to bring the stop '56 on the upper-roll to a predetermined position in advance of the forward end of the blank, just prior to the entry ofthe blank into the rolls. If

i the exact length of the blank after discharge from -asetofrolls wereknown, it would be a relatively simple matter tosecure the aforesaid synchronized .movement. In beginning a series of die rolling operations on a blank, however, it is not always possible to determine what the precise length ofthe blank will be as it emerges from each set of rolls, and certain factors, such as difasses left-hand corner of the blank and moved to a predetermined position in advance of the front end of the blank.

-Such means comprises a stationarily mounted cylinder 6 in which a plunger II1 operates, such plunger being actuated by oil (supplied to the left end of the cylinder lay-means of a conduit 8). I

The conduit H8 is connected to a port I20 in a v solenoid actuated valve I2I, having a bore I22 therein in which a plunger I23 is slidably mounted, This plunger isnormally maintained inthe position shown in Fig. 18 by means ofa coil spring I24, and in this position of the plunger, communication is established between the port I20 and .a port I25 of the valve. The port I 25 communicates with aport I26 of a check valve I21, such check valve being further provided with a port I28, communication between which and the. port I26 is normally closed by means of a. springpressed valve member I29.

The port I28 communicates with the conduit 62 by. means of a conduit I 30.

.The solenoid valve I2I is further provided with a port I3I, to which is connected a conduit I32, which communicates with a drain conduit II9, connected to the right end of the. cylinderv H6.

The plunger I23 is adapted to be actuated by means of a solenoid coil I33 which, when energized, moves the armature I34 to the left, as

viewed in Figs. 17 and 18, thereby .movingthe plunger I23 to its extreme left position against the action of the spring I24.

The coi1 I33 is adapted to be energized by means of a limit switch I35, which limitswitch is normally open, but is closed at, such. timesas the roller I36. thereof is engaged by a camI31 on the lower roller 1. This cam is so disposed with relation to the stop .56 on theupper roll that it will not engage the roller I36 of the limit switch'l35 until the stop. has moved to a. predetermined position. in advance of the blank which is about to enter the rolls.

The. head 33 has rigidly secured thereto a stop member I38, which is adapted to engage the rear end of the plunger I I1.

As long as the roller I36 of the, limit switch I35 is not engaged by the cam I31, oil from the conduit 62 willpass through conduit I30, thence through thecheckvalve I21, the valve member I29 of which isopened by the oil pressure, ports I 25 and I20, conduit I I8,, and into the left end of cylinder II6 (,Fig'. 6), thereby holding v the plunger I I1 in its extreme rear, position as shown .in Fig. 6,

In the meantime, the billet is being pushed toward the rolls, and if cam I31 has not=yet engaged the roller I36 of the limit switch I35,-which is tantamount to saying that, thestop 56 is not in the proper position, the stop I38 comesinto engagement with the plunger I I1, thereby causing the blank to stop, due to the check valve I21 preventing the oil in cylinder II6 from escaping through conduit I I8.

As soon as the cam I31 engages the roller I36, however, the limit.switch I35 is closed, thereby energizing the solenoid coil I33, and moving the plunger I 23 to the extreme left, as viewed in Figs. 17and18.

This shuts off communication between the ports I25 and I20 of the valve I2I,and opens communication between the ports I20 and I3I. Due to the greater cross-sectionalarea ofthe cylinder 31 than the cylinder IIB, the oilpressure in the former will overcome that in the latter cylinder, with the result that the stop I38 will push the plunger II1 forwardly and force the oil out of the cylinder I I6, permitting the blank toresume its movement toward the rolls. The oil, thus discharged from thecylinder IIG will pass through conduit II8, ports I and I3I of the valve I2I, through conduit I32 and into conduit II9, from which it will be returned to the reservoir 89.

The blank B moves forwardly until it engages the stop 56 and has moved into the rolls far enough to insure that the rolls will take a firm bite on the blank and move it through the rolls is deposited, asby meansof a conveyor or tongs, on a trough 30, such as shown in Fig. 8, at a point in advance of pusher finger 3|, just beforethe latter begins its movement toward the first set of rolls, which, in this case are horizontal rolls 2 I.

The blankis then automatically conveyed to and into the first set of the rolls in a manner which Will be evidentfrom the foregoing detailed description of the .feeding mechanism, a second blank being placed on the trough30 as soon as the first blank has passed through the first set of rolls. l I

In such first set of rolls, the blank has imparted thereto by the rolls the shape which is illustrated in Figs. 22, 23 and 24; g

As the blank passes through the succeeding sets of rolls, it has imparted thereto the successive shapes illustrated in Figs. 25, 28, 31 and 33,

. emerging from the last set of die rolls in the form without further assistance from the blank pushing mechanism.

Atthis time, the roller II5 of the limit switch II2 has reached the rear end of the track II 4 of the cam H3, and drops, thereby opening the 2 limit switch.

This causes the plunger 96 of the solenoid valve 94 to return to the position shown in Fig. 19, in j which position of the plunger, oilwill flow from conduit 98 through ports 99 and I00, conduit IN and into passageway 61 of the master valve 58, thereby moving the valve member 16-11-18 to the position shown'in Figs. 12 and 13. I In this position of the valve member, oil will flow from conduit 9|, through port 1I, passageway 12, bore 64, passageway 59, port 63, conduit 62, valve 60, conduit 40 and into the left end of the cylinder 31.

This causes the plunger to return to its rearward position, and during such return movement, the limit switch H2 is maintained in its open condition by virtue of the engagement of a track I39 at the lower edge of the cam II3 with the cam roller II5 of the limit switch.

During the rearward movement of the blank I pushing mechanism, the cam I31 leaves the roller I36 of the limitswitch, thereby opening such switch and returning the plunger I23 to its normal position, and permitting the plunger ,I I1 to return to the position shown in Fig. 6.

It will be understood that feeding mechanism of the character described is disposed in advance of each set of die rolls, 'but that the blank must be placed on a trough 30 inadvance of the first set of die rolls, and in a position to be moved to such rolls by means of a pusher finger 3I.

Reference numeral I40 designates a flow control, the detailed construction of which is shown inFig. 14, and which serves to regulate the flow This is accomof oil to the master valve 58. plished by setting thehandle I4I of the flow control to bleed a predetermined quantityof the oil from the conduit 9| back to the reservoir through a conduit I42.

Having thus described in some, detail the principal features and construction of the apparatus, the operation will be briefly described, as applicable, for example, to the rolling of a pair of connected steering knuckles for an automobile or discharge table, from which it is discharged onto a conveyor to be carried by thelatter to any desired point for any further treatment required.

In Fig. 39 I have illustrated a modified form of the blank pushing mechanism which is desirable for use in cases where the spaces between the sets of die rolls is not sufiicient to permit the use of a pivotally-mounted pushed finger.

In this modification,the plunger 35" has secured to its forward end, as by means of a plate I43 and screws I44, a head 33 in which is slidably mounted for reciprocable movement in a vertical plane, a pusher finger 3|", which, when in the dotted line position, is adapted to push a blank into a set of rolls, and when in the solid line position, can move rearwardly clear of the oncoming blank.

The finger 3| is normally. maintained in its retracted or solid line position by means of a tension. coil spring I45, which is connected at one end to a lug I46 which extends from the head 33', i

against the tension of the spring I45, and for this purpose, a plunger I49 is provided having a piston I50 which works in a cylinder I5I, such cylinder being closed at one end by means of a plug. I52 having a passageway I53 therein through which oil is adapted to be suppliedto the cylinder I5I by means of a conduit I54. The conduit I54 is adapted to be connected to the conduit I102 (Fig. 11), so that when oil is supplied to the conduit I02 for actuation of the plunger 16-11-18, oil will at the same time be supplied to the conduit I54 to actuate ,the finger 3I" to its extendedor operative position. Y

Since oil will not flow into the rightlend of the. cylinder 31 until the plunger 10-11-18 has been moved to its extreme left, it follows that the finger 3 I will be moved to its operative position before the plunger35" has begun its forward movement. position until such time that the plunger 35" starts to return to its initial position. At this time, the oil pressure on the piston I50 is relieved, and the spring I45 returns the finger 35 to its inoperative or solid line position, so as to clear the I The finger 3| will remain in this next blank. Adrainage' outlet I55 is provided for clearing the cylinder l! of any oil which leaks into the cylinder past the piston I50.

Itis thus seen that a method and apparatus have been provided, whereby articles, such as axles, shafts, steering knuckles, crankshaft blanks and the like are produced in commercially desirable quantities, and free from flash and other 1. Apparatus for die rolling blanks, comprising spaced sets'of die rolls arranged'in alignment with each two adjacent sets of rolls spaced a, greater distance than the length of the blank discharged from thefirst of said sets, means responsive to the movement ofthe rolls about to be enteredby the blank'ffor feeding. said blank towardsaid rolls, means for temporarily stopping the movement of the blank feeding means until such't'ime that the entering end offthe blank is in a predeterminedregistering relation with the di portions of" the rollsabout to'be entered by said blank, and means responsive to the movement of one of said rolls for permitting the move- 6. Incombin'ation witha'setiof die rolls ;'fluidactuated means for feeding a blankinto said lls; and fiuid-"actuated means fordjelay'ing the m9 mentor the blankfeeding means'pending' estaj lishment of a predetermined registering'relation between the entering 1 d. of" said; bnnkeflidf he die portions'ofsaid rolls,

ment'of said blank feeding means to be resumed 1 whensaid registering'relation is established.

2'. Apparatus "for die rolling blanks, comprising spacedsets of die rolls arranged in alignment with each two adjacent sets of rolls spaced a greater distance than the length of the blank discharged from the first of said sets, and fluid actuatedmeans responsive to the movement of the rolls about to be entered by the blank for positively. feeding said blank into saidrolls.

"3. Apparatus, for die rolling blanks, comprising spaced sets of'rolls arrangedin alignment, fluid actuated means. for positively. feeding the blank into each set of rolls, and fiuideactuated means for" delaying the movement of the blank feeding means pending establishment of a predetermined registeringjrelation between the entering end of the'blank and thedie portions of the rolls about toj'be" entered by the blank,

4; Apparatus for, die rolling blanks, comprising spacedsets of die rolls arranged so'that the blank mustpass completely out of one set ofrolls before entering the next'set of rolls, one roll of each set having a stop at'a' point in its periphery at a predetermined distance fromj'the die portion of said roll, and fluid-actuated means responsive to the movement of saidfroll for feeding a blank into said rolls and against said stop.

5: Apparatus for die rolling blanks,v comprising spaced sets'of die rolls arranged so that the blank must pass completely out of one set of rolls before entering the next set of rolls, one roll of each set having a'stopi'at' a point in its periphery at a predetermineddistance from the die portion of said roll, means responsive to the rotation of said roll'for feedingfaf blank between said rolls and against said stop, means for delaying the movement'of the blank until saidjstop has moved to a predetermined position in front of .the entering endof'saidblank, and means responsive to the rotation ofthe other roll of "said set for rendering ineifectivesaiddelaying "nieans;

' '7. In combination witha set'of di'e"roll's, oneof which has a stopfat a pointiin itspelriphery'atia predetermined-distance from the die'portion-of said roll, means responsive to the rotation'ofsaid roll for feeding a blank'towards saidtroll's'and against said stop, and means for'delaying' the movement of 'theblank feeding means until said step has moved to a predetermined position in front'of the entering end of saidblank;

8. In combination with a set of die'rolls, oneof which has a stop ata point in its 'periphery'at'a predetermined distance from thedie portionlof said roll, means responsive to the rotation, of said roll for. feeding a blank toward said rolls and against said stop, means for delaying the moveg ment of the blankuntil said'stop has moved to a predetermined position in front'of the'entering end of said blank, and means responsive to. the rotation of the other roll "of said set for rendering ineffective said 'delaying means. 9. Apparatus for dierolling blanks, comprising spaced sets of rolls arranged so that'the blank must pass completely. out of one set of r'ollsbeforeentering the next setofrolls, stop means associated with each set of rolls and having, a pre determined relation to the die portions off'said rolls, means for positively feeding the blank to-.

ward each set ofrolls,.means responsive to the position of said stop for controlling said feeding means, and means for'adjusting said last mentioned means.

10. A-proce'ss of die rollingfmetal blanksv between rotating rolls containing forming dies which comprises moving a, blank toward said rolls, substantially arresting movement of. saidblank toward said rolls until the forming dies have reached a predetermined relation to the forward end of the blank, and 1 then moving the blank toward and betweenvthe rolls at a lineal speed in excess of the speed of rotation of the'rolls.

11. A process for die rolling metal billets between rotating rolls containing formingdies having a stopin advance thereof which comprises propelling a billetfalong guidesextending to said rolls, retarding, the advance. of the billet unt'il said stop has cleared the end of the billet, thereafter moving the billet ata speed in excess. of the speed of the rolls so as to engage the billet against said stop, and maintaining the billet in engagement with the stopuntil gripped. by the forming dies. 12. In a'mill for roll forging billets, a pairiof forging rolls betwe'en which the billets arejfed,

said rolls containing, cooperating forming dies for shaping the billets, billet guides. extending to said rolls and a finger reciprocating along said guides and engaging said billets, said fingerbeing rigidly supported during the forward strokefor propelling a billet onto said guidesfandinto said rolls, .and being;v resiliently deflectable on its return stroke for-disengaging the next succeeding billet moving forwardlyon saidguides, and means for driving said finger and rollsin timed relation.

13. In a mill forroll forging billets, successively arranged pairsof forging rollsbetween whichthe billets are fed =progressive1y:'.said'Trolls containing cooperating forming diestfor shaping; the billets,

billet"guides interposed" between adjacent roll pairs and means including a power driven recip rocating member passing between the rolls of one pair and engaging the billet for propelling a billet delivered by said rolls along said guides into the succeeding roll pair.

14, In a mill for roll forging billets, a pair of forging rolls between which the billets are fed,

means for feeding. said billets to said rolls, includ- -ing means for constantly urging the feeding means in a direction to feed the billets into said rolls, an abutment restraining movement of said feeding means, and fluid means operable to release said abutment to permit the feeding means to continue its movement in the direction of feed.

ARTHUR C. RUDEN. 

